Setting up a new iPhone correctly is very important because the choices you make during the first setup affect your privacy, security, data, and overall experience. Whether you bought a brand-new iPhone or performed a factory reset before selling or using it again, this complete guide will walk you through every step in the right order. (How to Reset iPhone)
How to Set Up iPhone Manually (From Start to Finish)
Turn On the iPhone
Press and hold the Side Button on the right side.
Release the button when the Apple logo appears.
Wait for the Hello screen to appear.
Start Setup
Swipe up on the Hello screen.
When the Quick Start screen appears, tap Set Up Manually.
Choose Language
Select your preferred Language from the list.
Wait for the language to be applied.
Select Country or Region
Choose your Country or Region.
This automatically sets the correct time zone, date format, keyboard, and local services.
Accessibility Options (Optional)
Tap Accessibility Options if you need vision, hearing, or mobility features.
Tap Continue to skip this section.
Connect to Wi-Fi or Mobile Data
Select a Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
Or tap Use Mobile Data if Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Wait until the iPhone connects to the internet.
Data & Privacy Screen
Read the Data & Privacy information.
Tap Continue to proceed.
Face ID or Touch ID Setup
Position your face inside the frame to set up Face ID,
or place your finger on the Home button for Touch ID.
Tap Set Up Later in Settings if you want to skip.
Create a Passcode
Enter a 6-digit passcode for device security.
Re-enter the passcode to confirm.
Tap Passcode Options if you want a custom or 4-digit code.
Apps & Data Screen
Select Set Up as New iPhone.
This keeps the setup completely manual and clean.
Apple ID Sign-In
Enter your Apple ID email address.
Enter your Apple ID password.
Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your trusted device or phone number.
If you don’t have an Apple ID, tap Create a Free Apple ID and follow on-screen instructions to create a new Apple ID during setup.
If you want to skip, tap Set Up Later in Settings.
Terms & Conditions
Read Apple’s Terms and Conditions.
Tap Agree.
Tap Agree again to confirm.
iCloud Setup
Choose whether to enable iCloud Backup.
Turn on Contacts, Photos, Find My iPhone, and other important services.
Tap Don’t Use iCloud if you prefer.
Automatic Updates
Choose Enable Automatic Updates to keep iOS secure automatically.
Or tap Install Updates Manually.
Siri Setup
Tap Set Up Siri and follow the voice instructions.
Or tap Set Up Later in Settings.
Screen Time
Tap Set Up Screen Time.
Select This is My iPhone.
Or tap Set Up Later in Settings.
Privacy & Analytics
Choose whether to share iPhone Analytics with Apple.
Choose whether to share App Analytics.
Review App Tracking Transparency options carefully.
Display Appearance
Select Light Mode or Dark Mode.
Tap Continue.
Welcome to iPhone
Tap Get Started.
Wait for the Home Screen to load and background setup to finish.
Important Settings to Check After Setup
Open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and verify sync options.
Enable Find My iPhone for security.
Review Settings → Privacy & Security permissions.
Turn on iCloud Backup if it’s disabled.
Final Note
If you don’t already have an Apple ID, creating one during setup is the best option because it unlocks iCloud, App Store, Find My, backups, and full iPhone functionality.
